The five-day Festival of Lights has returned - Diwali is just ONE week away.

We're here to tell you all about it.

What is Diwali?

(Image: Getty)

The annual celebration is marked by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

It's about the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair and is one of the most important celebrations for India and its diaspora.

The word Diwali means rows of lighted lamps, and houses are lavishly decorated with candles and colourful lights, families recite prayers in the name of happy, healthy futures and fireworks are often set off.

For many Indians, Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and people will start the new business year at Diwali and some will say prayers to the goddess for a prosperous year ahead.

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Large firework displays are held which celebrate one of the Diwali legends, Rama and his wife Sita.

The fireworks signify Rama’s return to his kingdom after being exiled for 14 years and defeating king Ravana, when the local people set off their own version of fireworks.

Those celebrating Diwali also light traditional earthenware oil lamps called diyas which are said to help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. They’ll leave their windows and doors of their houses open so that she can enter.

People will also create rangoli artwork which are patterns created using coloured rice or powder, with the most popular pattern being the lotus flower as Lakshmi was often pictured either sitting on one or holding a lotus.

During Diwali, families and friends share sweets, dried fruit and gifts, and many give food and goods to those who are less fortunate and in need.

It is also a time when people spring-clean and redecorate their homes and wear new clothes.